NMILC In The Community: 14th Annual Legal Service Conference Immigration Update Presentation
I was recently invited to give a presentation on recent changes in immigration law and policies at the New Mexico State Bar’s 14th Annual Legal Services Conference. The conference is part of the State Bar’s Center for Legal Education, is a non-profit New Mexico accredited CLE course provider dedicated to providing high quality, affordable educational programs to the legal community.
My presentation included discussing new enforcement priorities under the Biden administration and what that looks like in practice, especially before the immigration courts. It is important to mention that the majority of attendees were legal service providers, but work in fields other than immigration. Immigration issues are relevant to so many of their clients, even if the majority of their clients are US Citizens, if only because so many New Mexicans live in mixed-status households and/or are from mixed-status families!
Immigration law and policies are changing so quickly these days, so I was happy to have the opportunity to explain some of the changes to those who aren't immersed in the work, clear up some common misconceptions around what has changed and what hasn't changed along with changes to law vs. changes to policy, and most importantly, remind attendees that NMILC exists.
My team and I are always happy to collaborate (both on bigger projects and regarding individual clients), and to encourage legal service providers to reach out /tell clients to reach out if they have immigration questions!
Shalini Thomas is NMILC’s Supervising DOJ Accredited Representative.
Published August 30, 2021
Written by Shalini Thomas, NMILC’s Supervising DOJ Accredited Representative.
Help us respond to the ongoing attacks against immigrants’ rights and to advance equity and justice for everyone, regardless of their immigration status.
